Online Networking Degree Program

Online Networking Degrees – What Do You Study?

Networking is the study and practice of linking two or more computing devices together in order to share data. Networks are an integral part of business these days as more and more companies rely on the advantages that computers and data sharing services can provide. There are two major types of computer networks commonly used: client-server and peer-to-peer. Client-server networks feature centralized server computers that store e-mail, web pages and files and take and fulfill requests from "client" computers which do not have the same level of functioning. This is the typical networking solution for the business environment. Peer-to-peer networks are those where all computers share equivalent responsibility for processing data and there is no central computer server. These networks are more typically found in homes but also sometimes in smaller businesses. All networking solutions allow people to store and share information and may help allow useful functioning such a printer and fax sharing as well as other resource sharing.

Related Online Networking Degree Programs

Schools offering degrees in computer networking teach students all the technical details about the hardware that comprises computer networks and the software that runs these networks. Students typically learn how to design and configure networks, troubleshoot problems and administer a network. Programs also try to focus on general management, critical thinking, logic, communications and problem solving, which are skills that are critical to successfully navigating the challenges faced in today’s technical environment. Typical courses taken in this type of program include local area network concepts, configuring Microsoft Windows client, troubleshooting network infrastructure, system analysis and design, linux system administration, introduction to computers and programming, advanced topics in networking and network security.

Degrees in this field are typically offered at the Associate and Bachelor's levels through computer science or engineering departments. Master's or Graduate Certificate degrees are sometimes available in more advanced topics such as networking theory and design. A typical networking degree prepares students to be effective network administrators within the IT departments of corporations, who know all of the major technical aspects of computer networking.

Career Options in Networking

As the importance of computer networking grows in both large and small companies, more and more networking professionals are needed to help design, manage and troubleshoot these networks. Typical job titles within this field include the following:

• Network Administrator
• Network (Systems) Engineer
• Network (Service) Technician
• Network Programmer/Analyst
• Network/Information Systems Manager

Network administrators are typically on the lower level and are primarily responsible for the configuration and upkeep of Local Area Networks and/or Wide Area Networks. Network engineers have many of the same functions except that they focus more on systems upgrades, evaluating vendor products and security testing. Technicians focus on the setup, troubleshooting and repair of specific hardware and software components of networks, while programmers are responsible for actually writing software programs that aid in network analysis such as diagnostics or monitoring utilities. Finally, managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of the networking team and ensuring that networks are running smoothly.

Since so many corporations rely on networks to help ensure smoother functioning and data sharing, opportunities are available among all realms of the business spectrum, whether you are contracted to help a company for a specific amount of time or whether you're employed directly by a company to become part of their IT team.